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Diabetic diet

The way we eat is intricately linked to our general health. Doctors have discovered that the way we eat is responsible for numerous health problems, with one of the most obvious being diabetes. Interestingly, diabetes, namely Type II diabetes, is a result of poor eating habits, but it can also be controlled, and symptoms drastically improved, by eating a healthy diet that has been developed with Type II diabetes in mind.

A diabetes diet is a way of eating that can not only help control diabetes (Type I and Type I), but it can also help prevent diabetes.

The diabetic diet focuses on four things:

A healthy weight

Controlling carbohydrates

Regular eating times

Eating healthy foods

A healthy weight

Obesity is a major cause of Type II diabetes, so it's important to maintain a normal weight, and as a consequence, diabetic diets are focussed on losing weight initially. Once your weight falls within the normal weight range, the diabetic diet can be used to ensure that you remain healthy.

Counting carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, or carbs, are a major culprit in out-of-control diabetes. Diabetes feeds on carbs, so it's important to limit the amount of carbohydrates you consume and to control when and how you consume them. You will need to balance carbs with protein and fats. A diabetic diet can help you maintain strict guidelines in regard to what to eat. You can eat healthily by buying foods with 'good' carbs such as:

Fruits

Vegetables

Whole grains

Legumes (beans, peas and lentils)

Low-fat dairy products

Eat regular meals

Controlling diabetes also depends on establishing regular eating times to help avoid blood sugar fluctuations.

Eating healthy foods

Our society has developed to the point where we often eat foods that bear no resemblance to what nature intended us to eat. The healthiest foods are those that are not processed. Some experts recommend 'eating close to nature', which means sticking to foods that are as natural as possible like fresh vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains

There's no doubt that a diabetic diet can both help control diabetes and help prevent Type II diabetes. To develop a diabetic diet eating plan that fits into your lifestyle, ask your doctor or a qualified dietician for help.